Startling Atmospheric Conditions by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 10, 1916

Startling Atmospheric Conditions

By F. M. W.

EVERY year is marked by startling changes in atmospheric conditions. The terrific heat waves which have been passing over the country during the last few years have been unparalleled. It is most unusual for temperatures in the Middle West to reach such readings as have been recorded during the last few summers, particularly during the last few days. The Washington Post for July 31 published the following dispatch from Chicago regarding the suffering caused in that city:—

“As a result of the protracted heat, culminating in a maximum of 102° at 4 P. M. today, the human death rate reached a point where county morgue officials said there was no more room in the institution for bodies.

“Prostrations increased greatly, riotous scenes at lake shore beaches among the thousands seeking relief in the lake made necessary the services of extra police, while the health department announced that hundreds of horses were lying in the streets, where they had fallen dead from heat. . . .

“Out of the 185 deaths reported today, upwards of a hundred were said to be due directly or indirectly to the heat. Dr. John Dill Robertson, health commissioner, said fifty babies had died of heat in the twenty-four hours ended yesterday morning.

“Police reserves who answered a riot call failed to control the riotous crowd which stormed the Clarendon municipal bathhouse on the north shore, after thousands of persons had stood in line for hours without gaining admission.

“Women and children swooned from the heat and excitement of being caught in the crush. Order was restored only after police used their clubs.

“Similar scenes occurred at other beaches. Police estimated that more than 100,000 persons battled for admittance at four beaches on the north shore after thousands of others had stood in line since early in the morning, waiting a chance to get relief in the waters of Lake Michigan from the excessive heat. Mounted police were used to clear the streets leading to the beaches.

“Sidewalks in the congested districts of Chicago were lined tonight with men, women, and children seeking sleep on the pavements. Hundreds of persons slept in the parks.”

The same general conditions could be reported from many other cities in the Central West, and from other sections of the world. Radical temperature changes are being noted everywhere. Unusual appearances of the heavens are causing wonderment and terror. These conditions, instead of bettering as time goes on, will increase in intensity. As we near the time of the seven last plagues, power will be given the sun to scorch men with fire, and men will be scorched with great heat. Rev. 16: 8, 9. Joel refers to the seed as rotting under the clods, the corn withering, the beasts groaning, the herds of cattle perplexed because they have no pasture, the vine drying up, all the fields withering, and joy “withered away from the sons of men.” See Joel 1:15-18.

We shall witness unusual scenes in the days to come,—unusual scenes in the atmospheric heavens and in the world around us,—scenes which will cause the hearts of men to fail for fear and for looking after the things which are coming upon the earth. Luke 21:25, 26.

To the children of light it is given to know the meaning and significance of these signs. They may understand the times and the seasons. 1 Thess. 5:1-4. May Heaven grant that we shall be the children of the light, and not the children of darkness. Committing our ways unto God and hiding under the shelter of his wing, we need not fear though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. It is our privilege in the midst of earth’s turmoil to be still and know that above is God, our Father, and that we are safely encompassed in the citadel of his love and power. See Psalm 46.

F. M. W.